Anything Could Happen

[Scarlet Angel]

Combined effort of Scarlet and Tensleep


Hank stopped at Tensleep’s cabin and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” came the reply.

Hank stepped in. “Thought I’d come check on the man who is stealing my favorite girl. If you’ve changed yer mind I just may stand up there in yer place.” Hank half teased.
 
Tensleep adjusted the sheet covering a shapeless pile on the bed. "I doubt that 'Becca would turn you down but I ain't plannin' on lettin' her go." Tensleep's grin was a sign he knew Hank was teasing.

"What ya got under that sheet John?" Hank was looking around Tensleep.

"Jist a surprise Hank, jist ah surprise."

"I doubt Becca's gonna like a dead body in the bed with y'all." Hank laughed. "'N if you needed a hidin' spot for it I'm sure some of the men could come up with somethin' better than yer bed."

"Reckon you could hide this for me til after the wedding?"

"You want ta hide a dead body you best talk ta Jimmy or Johnny." Hank eyed the heap under the sheet.

"Dammit Hank," Tensleep grinned as he pulled the sheet off. "It's Rebecca's wedding present. Now can ya hide it for me or not?"

Hank stepped closer and eyed the saddle. "That's a hell o' a saddle. You know that one she has is one from one of them outlaws she had a run in with. Real nice she's gonna like it and...lemme think where we could stash it." He said rubbing his chin. His first thought was the bunk house, but it wasn't out of the relm of possibility her going in there. The stalls were not a good idea. "Where does she stay away from 'round here?"

"That's the problem, she goes dern near ever'where, no place is safe Hank." Tensleep thought a moment. "It dang shore can't stay here, we gotta find a place."

The two stood there looking at one another and back to the saddle. They jumped when someone knocked on the door.

"You about ready Marshal?" It was Robin's voice.

Hank looked at Tensleep. "If all else fails ask an expert."

"Ya think she can keep quiet?"

Hank laughed out loud. "I guess that's a fair question when talkin' bout women. Just tell her when she can tell. Those ladies can keep secrets like ya wouldn't believe, and I believe if it's something she's part of it's even better."

"Come in Robin." Tensleep called laughing.

Robin opened the door and stepped just inside. "Rose sent me to fetch ya Marshal. Said all that was left was to round up the grooms and she went after Fritz."

"I think we need to have formal night at the Ace, the girls sure look good all dolled up." Hank said.

"I don't see you asking us to cover much too often." Robin retorted with a laugh. "You ready Marshal or shall I tell them you need some more time?"

"Uh.... no Robin, Hank and I... well I need some help from you and Hank while I go over to the house. Ya see, I need this saddle hid so Rebecca and Scarlet or ennybody else can't find it so it will be a surprise on our wedding day. Can you help Hank find a place?"

“Weddin’ day is here Darlin’, and that is just gorgeous!” Robin stepped up and ran her fingers softly along the carvings on the saddle. “You go on, I have the perfect spot.” She said with a flashing smile.     

[Scarlet Angel]

Father Patrick stepped up and extended his hand to Fritz. He had been surprised when Fritz and Scarlet had asked him to marry them. He had agreed to preside over Dr. Bill and Patches wedding some months back and had spent some time with Patches at the ranch during her recovery. During that time he’d also spent some time with Scarlet. He’d been pleasantly surprised to see some of the changes that had come over her since Fritz had come into her life.

Tensleep approached the group.

Father Patrick smiled “We may start anytime.” He said.

“I will go get the girls.” Rose said.

“We can take our places.” Father Patrick replied


Jimmy had the horses saddled, ready  and waiting for the ladies. They would ride around the house and out to the rose garden. A place had been set up for the ladies to dismount and pick up their bouquets, they would walk the pathway between the roses and up to where the grooms awaited in front of the big fountain. There was just enough seating between the roses and the fountain for all of the guests.  The courtyard opened up on the other side of the fountain where tables had been set around for the reception if folks wanted to be outside.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz stood with Bo to his left, and Grey Eagle to his right.  What a picture they made!  A Confederate Officer and a Indian, surrounding the man that had been trained to hunt them down.  Yet he had more in common with these two men than he did with most of the troopers at the fort.

Grey Eagle said, "Frritzz, are you ready for this joining day?"

He smiled.  "Yes...yes I am."

"Well," Bo added, "I know where some saddled horses are waiting, in case you change your mind."

"You're not helping," Fritz replied.  "Sides, I thought you were supposed to KEEP me here."

"Hey, you're marrying into this family.  I know how my sister can be."

"Father, we're ready when you are."  Now he looked for his love to arrive.

   

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[Scarlet Angel]

Ella helped Becca pin her headpiece on. It matched her dress with pearls, flowers and green ribbons in the cap, gathered white tulle hung down below her waist.

Rose helped Scarlet pin her hat in place then stood back and looked.  Scarlet wore a touring hat that had been covered in white satin, accented with many red and white flowers then trimmed in red lace, the tulle train was white with the tiniest red roses on edges and hung down nearly to her knees.

Rose had never seen the girls look so elegant. “It’s time to get started.” She said trying to hold back the tears again. She just couldn’t seem to help herself.


Jimmy, with the help of a couple of the ranch hands had the horses waiting well out of view of the guests. They helped the ladies mount up, holding the horses while they arranged the skirts on their dresses just so.

Jimmy, followed by the ranch hands, cut through the house so they could see the ladies ride around and meet them in the rose garden.

Rose was the first to appear. Her rose colored skirt draped over gracefully over her stallions back and hung down over her legs as the horse, with his neck arched, doing what Ella called a Spanish walk, carried his rider towards the crowd. 

Johnny smiled as soon as he saw her riding towards them. Rose still took his breath away.

Ella and Patches were next.

[Elegant Ella]

Ella was dressed in the green satin evening dress that had been the first project completed with her sewing machine.  Ruth seemed to enjoy strutting down the path with flowers in her mane, hooves polished and ribbons braided into her tail.

Sometimes Ella had trouble remembering that she had been at the Starr for less than nine months.  The Starr had immediately become Home in a way that the Haven had not been. 

[Scarlet Angel]

Patches was a little uncomfortable riding sidesaddle, although Thunder was being perfectly mannered for her. He, like Ruth, was enjoying being pretty.  The red and white ribbons in his mane and tail were striking against his strawberry roan coat.  He jogged next to Ruth with his neck slightly arched but his head high so he could watch the crowd.

Patches had picked a red satin and lace dress she had seen in Scarlet’s closet. It was striking with her red hair. She wondered if Bill could see her blush when she noticed the way he admired her.

[Scarlet Angel]

Rebecca and Scarlet followed Ella and Patches.

The green and white flowers and ribbons in Cloud’s black and white mane floated beautifully as he bobbed his head up and down while he pranced towards the crowd.

Becca had arranged her dress so it hung on both sides of Cloud covering his back and blanketing him in white satin and lace, her green lace boots could be seen as she rode.

Scarlet rode at her side. Lucky’s neck arched, his ears nearly touched and his long tail was held straight back giving the effect of a waving flag as he did the most animated high stepping collected gallop he could do and still match Clouds slower pace. It always amazed Scarlet the kind of show horse he was, wanted everybody to look as long as they didn’t touch him.

Scarlet had arranged her dress so it hung over one side of Lucky nearly touching the ground. The edge of the dress rippled with the movement of the stallion. The picture was quite bewitching, the blonde woman in the white satin dress with the red accents against the midnight black horse.

Mr. Dawg trotted next to Lucky. The girls had even dressed him for the occasion weaving red and green ribbons together then tying in a proper bow at the side of his neck.

“I think I’ve died and gone ta Heaven.” Hank whispered to Tensleep, who couldn’t take his eyes off of Rebecca, as they watched the ladies approach.

The guests whispered as they watched.

[Scarlet Angel]

Rose had dismounted and given the reins to one of men. Johnny smiled as he handed her two red roses. She smiled back, but was somewhat confused. The girls had bouquets waiting for them to carry, however Rose had not planned any flowers for herself except for the corsage she wore.

He kissed her cheek and whispered. “I still remember the meanings of the roses you told me.”

“Two roses, red in color, speak of two people who are deeply in love.”  Rose whispered.

“Yes.” Johnny replied as he handed her an orange rose. “and the burning flame in the orange represent the fire of passion and desire.” Johnny grinned, Rose blushed.

[Scarlet Angel]

Rose took Jimmy’s arm so he could escort her down the pathway. She looked back at Ella and Patches, Patches had suddenly gone stiff in the saddle her eyes darted as she strained to listen.

Patches had been listening to the sounds around her as was her habit. She could pick out different comments from the crowd, her smile broadened as she heard Bill say “just beautiful.” She didn’t mean to eavesdrop on Johnny and Rose’s conversation but it was romantic, she had turned her attention to the hoof beats of Lucky and Cloud. Lucky’s were quick and slightly heavier than normal. Cloud’s were softer, he was not stepping as high…but suddenly they had stopped and Lucky’s had gone into a different beat. Patches listened, wondering if Scarlet and Becca were just waiting for her and Ella to dismount but then she heard “I can’t.” It was Becca’s voice, Patches sat up stiff in her saddle. She just couldn’t believe her ears.

Scarlet was thinking how handsome Fritz was when she felt Lucky stop, he was matching the speed of the horse next to him. Scarlet looked over at Becca. Becca’s jaw was clinched, her eyes fixed on Cloud, she was stiff in the saddle and her knuckles were beginning to turn white.

Cloud had stopped and stood still, his ears rotated back his head bobbed slightly and he chewed his bit.

“What are we doing?” Scarlet whispered.

“I can’t.” Becca said between gritted teeth.

Cloud began to paw the air. Lucky kept prancing place. Mr. Dawg sat down and put his paw over his eyes as if he couldn’t believe it.

“What?” Scarlet asked somewhat confused.

“Scarlet…..I can’t” Becca ground out as she shifted in the saddle appearing to become very agitated.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"Hermosa...muy hermosa, no?"

Fritz turned to Grey Eagle and smiled.  "Si...muy hermosa.  You're full of surprises".

He watched her ride.  Beauty, power and glory all rolled into one.  He looked at her hands.  Hands that could equally handle horse, gun or knife.  Hands that knew his body better than any woman before.  Did they look dainty against the black stallion...or was it just a trick of the light?

Fritz heard the words..."I can't," as Lucky came to a halt.

The lightness in his heart suddenly felt like lead in his chest. 

[Elegant Ella]

Patches's sudden stiffness caught Ella's attention.  She looked behind her, and saw Cloud reacting to Becca. 

"She's got the bride jitters a little late," she thought to herself as she turned Ruth around and went back to be beside Becca. 

"Why can't you?" Ella asked Becca calmly, reaching her hand out to stroke Becca's shoulder soothingly. 

[Tensleep]

Tensleep saw Becca stop but didn't hear her words... He stepped quickly to Cloud's side and reaching up lifted Becca from the sidesaddle.

"Now and forever and always I promise to love you and keep you. Nothing in either of our pasts matters. The future holds our destiny and I want the future to be for two." Tensleep had said the words loud enough for all to hear.

[Scarlet Angel]

Becca looked from Ella to Scarlet then at her mount that had broken a fine sweat on his neck. “He won’t move.” She said frustrated.

Before she knew it Tensleep was at her side and lifting her down.

Becca looked into Tensleep’s eyes and kissed him ever so sweetly. His words had touched her heart as only he could and she knew he’d always be there for her.

 “I couldn’t get him to move. I think I made him nervous.” She said softly.

Cloud let out a sigh and looked guilty at her. Becca stroked his nose “I forgive you Cloud but I think I’ll walk the rest of the way.”

She dropped a rein down to Mr. Dawg. “Take him to his stall if you would please.” She said.

Becca took a deep breath of her own then walked with Tensleep. She squeezed his hand gently and smiled as they parted so he could take his place with the others and she could take hers. 

Ella and Scarlet rode together to where the men waited to help them dismount and take the horses.

Rose had started down the isle when she saw everything was alright. Patches had dismounted and started after Rose when Ella dismounted.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath.  As Tensleep escorted 'Becca down the aisle, Fritz let it out slow.

Bo asked, "You okay brother?"

He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer.

"Yep...I'm fine now."

Fritz walked towards the fountain, and the lady who was all that mattered.

[Scarlet Angel]

Johnny proudly walked Scarlet down the isle. He shook Fritz’s hand then turned and kissed his daughter’s cheek before she took Fritz's arm.

There were times Scarlet would be silent when Johnny asked her questions and there were times she told him much more than he wanted to know. She had once told Johnny when she was with Fritz she felt like she was on top of the world. She had that look in her eyes and smile now.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

There were people all around.  Sights, sounds and smells.  But all he had eyes for was her.  Fritz held her hands in his.  There was a light in Scarlets eyes, and her smile was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen.  It gave him much pleasure to know that he was the reason she smiled.

They slowly turned and faced the preacher.   

[Scarlet Angel]

Father Patrick looked at the two couples that stood before him then to the friends and family that had gathered. Knowing what he did of the two couples he had given a lot of thought of how he would perform the ceremony.

He began "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company, to join together this man and this woman” he indicated Fritz and Scarlet. “And this man and this woman” indicating Tensleep and Rebecca “in Holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church: which Holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence and first miracle that he wrought in Canna of Galilee, and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God. Into this Holy estate these persons present come now to be joined. If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace."

Father Patrick paused and looked over the crowd. Then said as he turned to Fritz and Scarlet.

"Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?"
“Her mother and I.” Johnny replied.

Father Patrick then turned to Tensleep and Rebecca.

"Who giveth this Woman to be married to this Man?"

“I do.” Hank responded.

Father Patrick looked at the four that stood before him.
"I REQUIRE and charge you, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why ye may not be lawfully joined together in Matrimony, ye do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that if any persons are joined together other than as God's Word doth allow, their marriage is not lawful.
John Wilt thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

Tensleep smiled as he looked at Rebecca and replied “I will.”

"Rebecca Wilt thou have this Man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"

Rebecca’s eyes sparkled as she said. “I will.”

He then repeated the words to Fritz and Scarlet.
Who both replied “I will.”

“Frederick, repeat after me.” Father Patrick continued.

“I Frederick, take you Angelina, to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold so I give you my life to keep So help me God.”

Father Patrick turned to Scarlet. “Repeat after me.” He said.

Scarlet gazed into Fritz’s eyes as she repeated the words Father Patrick said.
“I, Angelina, take you Frederick, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold so I give you my life to keep so help me God.”

“Frederick, Scarlet both of you repeat after me.” Father Patrick continued.

“Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you, For where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. And where you die, I will die and there I will be buried. May the Lord do with me and more if anything but death parts you from me.”

Father Patrick then asked Tensleep and Rebecca to repeat the vows.

“The rings please.” Father Patrick requested. Bo and Hank placed them on the Bible Father Patrick held.

"BLESS, O Lord, this Ring, that those who give them and those who wear them may abide in thy peace, and continue in they favour, unto their life's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Father Patrick said before handing a ring to Fritz and Tensleep. “Place the ring on the fourth finger of her left hand and repeat after me. “"WITH this Ring I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Scarlet smiled as Fritz slipped the ring on her finger; nobody existed beyond him at this moment. She could feel their hearts dance to the same beat.

As Tensleep slid the ring on Rebecca’s finger all her nervousness seemed to slip away. She knew he was the one she’d been waiting for all of her life.

Father Patrick handed the rings to Scarlet and Rebecca.

“Place the ring on the fourth finger of his left hand and repeat after me. “"WITH this Ring I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Father Patrick then addressed the guests.

"Let us pray. "O ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, these Men and these Women, whom we bless in thy Name; that they, living faithfully together, may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof these Rings given and received are a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen"

Father Patrick joined Fritz and Scarlet’s hands together, then stepping over to Tensleep and Rebecca he did the same before he spoke again.

"Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder." He looked across the faces of the guests as he continued.
"FORASMUCH as Fredrick and Angelina and John and Rebecca have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a Ring, and by joining hands; I pronounce that they are Man and Wife, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

Father Patrick nodded to Ella who stepped up and picked one of the vases of roses that had been placed near the fountain. She held the vase for each one of the newlyweds to take one of the roses then placed it back in its spot then returned to where she was standing.

“The Rose ceremony seemed very appropriate here. In the old language of flowers, a single red rose always meant "I love you". The Rose ceremony gives recognition to the new and most honorable title of "Husband and Wife". Father Patrick explained to the guests then focused his attention on Fritz, Scarlet, Tensleep and Rebecca.

"Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings - which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other.
You now have what remains the most honorable title which may exist between a man and a woman - the title of "husband" and "wife." For your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose.
In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing - it meant the words "I love you." So it is appropriate that for your first gift - as husband and wife - that gift would be a single rose.
Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife. In someways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose - and now you are holding one small rose. In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life - one I hope you always remember - the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.

Frederick, Angelina, John and Rebecca, I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future - whether it be a large and elegant home - or a small and graceful one - that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot both as a recommitment to your marriage - and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love.
In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words. It is easiest to hurt who we most love. It is easiest to be most hurt by who we most love. It might be difficult some time to words to say "I am sorry" or "I forgive you"; "I need you" or "I am hurting". If this should happen, if you simply can not find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected - for that rose than says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words.
That rose says the words: "I still love you." The other should accept this rose for the words which can not be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today.
John, Rebecca, Fredrick and Angelina, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure.

Gentlemen you may kiss your brides.”

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He slipped his hands around her waist, meeting at the small of her back.  Scarlet leaned back slightly, placing her weight...and her life...in his arms.  Fritz kissed her passionately.

All around were the firing of pistols in the air, and that damned Rebel yell.

But right now, it sounded pretty damned good.

[Scarlet Angel]

As their kiss ended Scarlet traced her fingers along the back of his neck and smiled into his eyes.

If someone had asked her a year ago where her life was headed and where she wanted to be she had an answer but it was completely opposite of starting a new life with someone you love.

 “Thank you for all the times you asked me not to go.” She whispered.

[Scarlet Angel]

John truly did make Rebecca feel like a young girl, unsure of what life would hold but so excited to find out.  Her hand slid below his back as she pressed close kissing him hotly, all of her thoughts were not that of an inexperienced young girl.